UNITE rejects Croke Park II deal

UNITE has rejected the revised Croke Park Agreement.

The result of the trade union's ballot on the deal shows 84% of members are opposed to the proposals, with 16% in favour.

Unite represents 6,000 workers in the public service.

They join the Civil and Public Service Union and the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants who rejected the deal yesterday.

Earlier, the Public Service Executive Union voted to accept the proposals by a marging of 61% in favour and 39% against.

The PSEU represents nearly 10,000 workers in the public sector.

Results from SIPTU, IMPACT and the INTO are due later and informed sources have indicated the SIPTU result is too close to call.

So far eight out of 20 unions have rejected the deal which will bring about changes in work practices including longer hours and less pay.

The Croke Park proposal could shave a further €1bn from the public sector pay bill.

Leaders say unions need to stick together to defend wages and conditions in the public service.

The Government has warned it will legislate for across the board pay cuts of around 7% if unions do not accept Croke Park.

Such a move is likely to provoke an angry response from the country's public servants.